Food press

ABSTRACT

A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat and the like, having relatively movable die means which when in a predetermined position relative to one another provide a tubular die aperture of uniform cross section and a ram reciprocable therein. A channel-shaped stationary die means is carried by a plate-like support detachably connected to and exclusively carried by a cabinet-type base, and a movable die means at least partially receivable in the stationary die means is supported for movement towards and from the stationary die means. The movable die means is guided by the support for the stationary die means is moved by a toggle link mechanism and a cylinder and pistontype fluid actuator located beneath the support for the stationary die means. A supplementary guide means is provided below the support for the stationary die means to assist the support for the stationary die means in guiding the movable die means. The fluid actuator is beneath the stationary die means and pivotally supported, oriented to act predominantly transverse to the direction of die movement when the dies are fully separated, and pivots to act predominantly along the direction of die movement as the dies reach a closed position, providing a compact structure in which reaction forces from the actuator are applied to the stationary die support in a direction counter to the applied force of the dies.

United States Patent [1 1 Bettcher [451 Sept. 18,3973

[ 1 FOOD PRESS [75] inventor: Louis A. Bettcher, Amherst, Ohio [73] Assignee: The Bettcher Industries, lnc.,

Birmingham, Ohio 22 Filed: Aug. 31, 1972 [211 App]. No.: 285,479

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 67,482, Aug. 27, 1960, Pat. No. 3,683,797, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 878,439, Nov. 20, 1969, Pat. No. 3,687,067.

[52] U.S. Cl...- 100/42, 100/DlG. 10, 100/53, 100/218, 100/232, 100/249, 100/269 R, 100/272 [51] Int. Cl. B30b 7/04 [58] Field of Search 100/DlG. 10, 232, 100/218, 249, 269 R, 272, 42, 53

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/ 1941 Hall [57] ABSTRACT A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat and the like, having relatively movable die means which when in a predetermined position relative to one another provide a tubular die aperture of uniform cross section and a ram reciprocable therein. A channelshaped stationary die means is carried by a plate-like support detachably connected to and exclusively carried by a cabinet-type base, and a movable die means at least partially receivable in the stationary die means is supported for movement towards and from the stationary die means. The movable die means is guided by the support for the stationary die means is moved by a toggle link mechanism and a cylinder and piston-type fluid actuator located beneath the support for the stationary die means. A supplementary guide means is provided below the support for the-stationary die means to assist the support for the stationary die means in guiding the movable die means. The fluid actuator is beneath the stationary die means and pivotally supported, oriented to act predominantly transverse to the direction of die movement when the dies are fully separated, and pivots to act predominantly along the direction of die movement as the dies reach a closed position, providing a compact structure in which reaction forces from the actuator are applied to the stationary die support in a direction counter to the applied force of the dies.

17 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTED SEP! 8 I975 SHEET 2 BF 5 PATENTEDSEH 8 I973 SHEET '4 0F 5 Fig. 4

1 FOOD rnsss RELATED CASES FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for compressing and shaping comestible products.

PRIOR ART Food products, especially meat products, such as ground meat, steaks, knuckles and the like, are often pressed into blocks or loaves of desired density and shape, typically while frozen or semi-frozen, for subsequent slicing into pieces of generally uniform size, shape and weight. Presses for this purpose have utilized relatively movable opposed die members constructed to form a tight tubular aperture when abutted in faceto-face relationship within which aperture the product is compressed by a reciprocable ram. Such prior art devices, however, have not been entirely satisfactory. In many instances the die members did not close properly, multiple die operating cylinders were required, the ram operating mechanismtended to contaminate the product being compressed, the apparatus was .difficult to clean and the component parts did not bind themselves to a compact arrangement and machine cycling was inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel and improved food press, particularly adapted for the pressing of comestible products, especially meat and the like, into predetermined form, which press comprises relatively movable die means which when in predetermined position relative to one another, herein referred to as the closed position, form a die aperture within which a ram is reciprocated to compress a product therein. The relative movement between the die means is effected by a toggle linkage mechanism which assures the closing of the die means to a predetermined position.

The stationary die means is supported on a plate-like member on a cabinet base and the movable die means is carried by members extending through the plate-like member forming the top of the cabinet and actuated by toggle linkage mechanism beneath the stationary'die means and guided by a guide member at the toggle mechanism side of the plate-like member. A,cylinder of a double acting, reciprocating, fluid motor for actuating the movable die means is pivotably carried on a support that depends from the plate-like member and the piston rod of the motor is connected to the toggle linkage mechanism, which is constructed to generally surround the motor, especially when the die means are in their closed position. The cylinder and piston are oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movementof the movable die means when the die means are fully separated and pivot to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of the movabledie means as the movable die means approaches the stationary die means and the die means reach their closed position. A relatively small motor provides adequate operating forces even though the component of the force of the motor in the direction to actuate the toggle mechanism varies, due to the pivoting of the cylinder, being less when the die means are closed and greatest when the die means are open because the toggle mechanism produces a progressively increasing mechanical advantage as the die means move towards their closed position. With this construction, a relatively small single fluid actuator can be compactly arranged to effectively operate the die means through a toggle mechanism in a desired manner with little transverse stress.

The invention further provides a novel and improved food press, particularly adapted for the pressing of comestible products, especially meat and the like, into predeterminedform, which press comprises relatively movable die means which when closed form a die aperture within which a ram is reciprocated to compress a product therein and a cabinet-type base provided with a plate-like removable cover wherein the die means, ram and the operating mechanisms for the die means and ram are exclusively carried by the removable cover. The operating mechanism for the ram is controlled and interlocked withthe press toggle mechanism to be certain the die means are in closed position before ram pressure is applied to the product being compressed. In addition, automatic ejection of a pressed product is provided by the ram operating mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, release of either of two control buttons that are pressed to close the die means and to advance the ram in the die aperture relieves the operating pressure on the ram and separates the die means. Subsequent to separation of the die means, the ram is automatically extended to eject the formed product from the supporting stationary die means and then withdrawn in the opposite end of the die means.

As a further safety feature, a mechanical lock is provided in the head of the cylinder that maintains the piston rod extended and the die members separated until positive fluid pressure is applied to the cylinder. This prevents die closure in the event of power failure or pressure loss.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of die means providing side-by-side die apertures aligned with a plurality of rams so that a plurality of products can be simultaneously compressed without any change in operating speed or sequence and under the same controls. A separate ram cylinder is provided for each ram so that the products in-the respective die apertures can be independently compressed to the degree necessitated by the amount of material present.

The invention will be better understood and further advantages, as well as objects, thereof will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the ensuing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food press and power supply console embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a food press similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but modified to provide three die cavities and rams;

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred apparatus embodying the invention is a food press, designated generally as A, comprising two die means or die assemblies, B, C, at least one of which is movable toward and from the other by means including toggle linkage mechanism D which assures predetermined travel of the die means or members toward and fromone another. When the dies are closed they form a tubular die aperture or cavity E (FIG. 4) of uniform across section within which the product being processed is compressed by a reciprocating ram F which conforms to the cross sectional shape of the die aperture. All of the operating mechanism of the press is carried by a plate detachably connected to and closing a frame or base which is in the form of a cabinet G enclosing operating mechanism of the press. The plate 10 and theoperating mechanism can be readily removed as a unit from the cabinet to facilitate maintenance, etc., of the press. An inclined receiving table II at the end of the die assemblies B, C receives the product after compression by the ram and may be partially enclosed by a transparent plastic cover 11. A console L houses hydraulic power systems that are connected through four flexible conduits 12 to the cabinet G.

The die means or assembly B is stationary and comprises a channel-shaped die 14 of uniform crosssectional shape extending from end to end and comprising parallel side wall portions 180, 181: and a bottom wall 18c depressed with respect to the parallel side wall portions and extending from one parallel side wall portion to the other forming a cavity 19 between the lower end of the side wall portions the longitudinal side edges of which are offset relative to one another in the direction of relative movement between the die assemblies. The die 14 is detachably secured to the outer side of the plate 10 of the press proper by clamps 20.

The die means or assembly C is movable and comprises a die 30 (FIGS. 1 and 4) detachably connected by clamps 32 to the side of a movable plate or platen 34 facing the outer side of the plate It). The member 30 is sized to fit between the parallel side wall portions 18a, 18b of the stationary die 14 and has a die cavity 36 in its side opposite the side connected to the platen 34. The cavity 36 extends lengthwise of the die, is of uniform cross-sectional shape from end to end of the die 30 and its peripheral side edges essentially extend to or terminate at lateral sides 38, 39 of the member 30. The longitudinal side edges of the cavity 36 are offset relative toone another in the direction of relative movement between the die assemblies but in an opposite direction to the offset of the side edges of the cavity 19.

The platen 34 is a part of a movable die support assembly K and is connected to the ends of four rods or draw bars 40, 42, 44, 46 projecting outwardly from the cabinet G through suitable apertures in the plate it).

The other ends of the draw bars 40, 42 are connected to a bearing support 88 and the other ends of the draw bars 44, 46 are connected to a bearing support 49 within the cabinet or housing G of the press. Plates 52, 53 are fastened to both bearing supports and connect the two. The resulting assembly 54 serves as a drive for the draw bars and is adapted to be reciprocated towards and from the plate 10 to open and close the die assemblies by the toggle linkage mechanism D. The driving assembly 5d is provided with a guide in the form of a bar 56 projecting through a suitable aperture 58 in a plate 59 carried by the bearing support 49. The bar is carried by a support 60 that depends from the underside of the plate 10 within the cabinet, the upper end of the bar being located in a transverse web 62 of the support 10 and the lower end being received in an aperture in an end wall 64 of the support 60 and secured by screw 65. A bearing sleeve 66 in the aperture 58 encircles the bar 56.

The toggle linkage mechanism D for reciprocating the driving assembly 54 and in turn the movable die means C, comprises two sets of toggel links, one set connected to the bearing support 38 and the other to the bearing support 49. The first set of toggle links comprises two links 70 having their one ends pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 74 carried by a pair of brackets 76, 78, bolted to laterally spaced reinforcing bars 79, fill fixedly secured to the side of the table 10, facing the driving assembly 54. The opposite ends of the links 70 are pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 71 to which shaft the one end of links 72 of the first set of toggle links are also pivoted. The other ends of the links 72 are pivotally connected to a respective shaft 76, 77 (FIG. 6) carried by spaced lugs 80, 81 and $2, 83, respectively extending from the surface of the bearing support 48 facing the plate 10. The shafts 74, 76, 7% are in the same plane normal to the outer surface of the plate 10 and parallel with the length of the rods or drawbars 41d, 42.

The second or right-hand set of toggle links comprises two links dfi, similar to the links 70 of the first set, pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 92 carried by the support 60, which is fixedly connected to and depends vertically from the bars 79, at the side of the plate llll facing the driving assembly 54. The other ends of the links 88 are pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 98 to which shaft the one ends of a pair of links 100 of the second set of toggle links are also pivotally connected. The other ends of the links 100 are connected to a shaft i104 carried by lugs and flange portions W5, W6 and 107, 108 extending from the surface of the bearing support 49 facing the plate 10. The shafts 92, we lie in the same plane normal to the outer surface of the plate 10 and parallel to the length of the rods or drawbars 44, 16.

The two sets of toggle links are connected together by links 110, 112 opposite ends of which are pivotally connected to the shafts 71, 98. The connecting links 110, 112 are spaced from one another and from the other links on the shafts 71, 98, by suitable spacers. A pivot pin extends through the center of the links 110, I12 and through a bearing 122 secured to the end of a piston rod 124 of a reciprocating-type doubleacting hydraulic actuator 126 comprising a fluid cylinder 127 pivotally supported on the support 60 by trunnions 128, 129 adjacent the end of the cylinder from which the piston rod extends. With this arrangement,

the actuator is located beneath the fixed die 14 and is straddled by arm portions 60a, 60b of the support 60. With the piston rod retracted in the cylinder, the motor 126 is surrounded by the drive assembly 54 and is oriented predominantly in the direction of movement of the movable die support while extending slightly transverse thereto. In the preferred embodiment the cylinder and rod extend at an angle of approximately 25 from the direction of travel of the movable die support. With the piston rod extended from the cylinder and the drive assembly in a raised position, as shown in phantom in FIG. 3, the cylinder and rod are oriented more predominantly askew or transversely of the direction of travel of the movable die support, at an angle of approximately 45 therefrom in the preferred embodiment. The piston rod 124 of the actuator 126 is aligned in the central vertical plane of the guide member 56 and support 60 as Shown in FIG. 3, so that the thrust of the actuator transversely of the draw bars is taken largely by the guide member 56 and support 60 rather than the draw bars, which connect the members 3d, 54.

Travel of the movable die assembly in the direction to close the dies is limited or determined by the toggle linkage mechanism D, which is so constructed that when the links thereof are fully extended, i.e., at or approximately at dead center, the dies are closed to a predetermined relative position upon each actuation of the press, with the longitudinal side edges of the cavity 36 of the movable die 30, preferably, slightly out of engagement with or slightly spaced from the longitudinal side edges of the cavity 19 of the stationary die 14, as shown in FIG. 4. An adjustable stop member H30 carried by the support 60 contacts links 88, 100 at the shaft 98 to prevent the actuator 1127 from pulling the toggle links beyond a fully extended position and to permit adjustment of the bottom position of the movable die.

The aperture or cavity E formed by the dies or die as-- semblies B, C, when closed, is irregular in transverse cross-sectional shape, has a major and a minor dimension with the major dimension inclined to thedirection of movement of the movable die, and may be similar to that of a commercially available meat product, for example, a slab of bacon, a ham, or a loin. The side edges of the bottom walls of the cavities l9 and 36 in the respective dies blend with the parallel side wall portions of the die 14 and are oriented such that the long transverse dimension of the cavity E is askew to the path of movement of the movable die whereby the size of the opening into each die cavity is maximized. Components of force applied to a product being compressed by the dies are applied in two directions, one of which is transversely of the direction of relative movement between the die means. Employing the die means having large cavity openings is further advantageous if the product to be compressed is initially distorted so as to make its entrance into the die cavities difficult, such as, being curved with reference to its length. The clearance between the adjacent sides of the stationary and movable dies 14, 30 when the dies are closed is preferably very small, only sufficient to provide an adequate path for escaped air and the like, but not large enough to allow product being compressed to be forced therethrough. Clearance on the order of about 0.0075 inch per side have been found satisfactory. Surfaces of the dies facing each other in the direction of relative die movement, preferably do not touch one another at any place, although the side edges of one or both may closely approach the other. This, together with the fact that the cavities E9 and 36 in the dies 14 and 30 extend to, or substantially to, and blend into the sides of the stationary die, avoids any possibility of the dies not properly closing because of the presence of product entrapped between opposed flat planar surfaces about the periphery of the die cavities.

The rarn F, as previously mentioned, conforms to the aperture or cavity E between the die means when the press is closed, with a clearance of about 0.006 inch thereabout, and is adapted to be reciprocated in the aperture E by a reciprocating-type, double acting hydraulic actuator including a piston rod to which the ram F is attached and a cylinder assembly M2. The cylinder assembly 142 is supported by a suitable bracket 1 343 on the outer side of the plate l0 and is located a distance from the right-hand side of the fixed die means B, a distance such that the portion of the piston rod 140 which moves within the cavity E is never retracted into the cylinder assembly 142 thereby avoiding possible contamination of products being compressed by material adhering to the piston rod 140 incident to its movement into and out of the stuffing box at the left-hand end of the cylinder assembly. The stroke of the actuator 135 and the distance of the cylinder assembly 142 from the dies is preferably not less than the length of the die aperture E, and such that the ram F can be used to eject a compressed product through the left-hand end of the lower die, if desired. A housing M6 surrounds the actuator 135, is carried by the bracket M4, and a lower portion 146a rests against and is secured to one side of the cabinet G, covering a bracket M8 on the outside of the cabinet that supports four quick disconnect couplings H50 (two of which are shown in MG. 3, the other two being directly therebehind) to which conduits l2 connect for carrying hydraulic fluid for the actuators 127 and B35.

When the press is closed, the left-hand end of the aperture or cavity E is closed by a plate 158 bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to the left-hand end of the platen 34. The plate H58 projects over the end of the cavity E when the press is closed with its free end engaged between the left-hand end of the fixed die assembly and a stop plate 159 bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to the left-hand end of the plate 30. The plate 159 acts as a support or backup for the free end of the plate 158. A small clearance may be provided between the end of the die means, B, C, and the plate 158 for the escape of air from the end of the die aperture E, if necessary. Alternatively one or more small apertures extending through the plate R58 may be provided. The product in the cavity E is pressed against the plate 158 by the ram F after the press is closed, to shape the product.

Fluid pressure, preferably liquid, for operating the actuators H27, H35, can be supplied in any convenient manner, such as, by the provision of a motor driven fluid pump within the cabinet G, but in the preferred embodiment shown the actuators are hydraulically operated from pressure liquid supplied from the console L through the conduits 12 connected to the supply and return fittings at the righthand side of the cabinet, which fittings are in turn connected to conduits that communicate with the opposite ends of each actuator. Thus, the two conduits R52, R53 superimposed in FIG. 3 but partially shown in MG. 6 communicate to passageways in the cylinder head of the actuator 127 through the trunnions 128, 129. One of the passageways communicates with the lower end of the cylinder through a conduit 154 of the cylinder. Two conduits 156, 157 extend to opposite ends of the actuator 135. Control valves (not shown) for selectively controlling the supply and exhaust of hydraulic fluid from the console L to the cabinetG through the four hydraulic lines 12 and the connected actuator conduits 152, 153 and 156, 157 are housed in theconsole L and are preferably solenoid-operated, electrically actuated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lateral spacing of the draw bars 40, 42 and 44, 46 accommodates a die 14' having multiple cavities 180a, 180b, l80c aligned parallel to the direction of ram movement. An upper die 30 has multiple die projections each similar to the die 30 that cooperate with respective cavities 180. Three cavities and die projections are shown for purposes of illustration. Multiple rams F are provided, one for each cavity, actuated by separate fluid pressure motors from a common supply so that each ram can advance to the extent necessary, which may vary in different cavities, yet all are sequenced together. This construction provides a high cap city, large production, press at little additional cost over a single cavity press.

Operation of the press is under the control of five manual switches 200, 202, 204, 206, 208 on a front panel of the cabinet G. Switch 200 is an on-off electrical switch which controls the operation of the electric motor driven hydraulic pump in the console L. The

press a product or products in the now closed die as sembly.

Subsequent to the ram reaching the farthest forward position in the die aperture permitted by the product therein, the operator releases push button switches 202 and 204 thus breaking the circuit to the operating solenoid 216 of the press control valve allowing the valve to be returned to its initial position whereupon the press opens. Simultaneously with the breaking of the circuit to the solenoid 216 of the press control valve the circuit is broken to solenoid 232 of the ram control valve allowing the valve to return to its intermediate position. The ram remains in its then forward position. Upon the press reaching its open position limit switch 220 closes. This establishes a circuit from the line 210 through switch 220, wire 234, normally closed limit switch 236 which is opened by the ram when in its farthest retracted position, wire 224, normally closed contacts 226 of relay 228, wire 230, and operating solenoid 232 of ram control valve, to line 218. Energization of the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve shifts the valve to again supply fluid to the ram power actuator 135 in the direction to resume its forward movement and eject the pressed product from the lefthand end of thelower die. When the ram reaches the limit of its left-hand or forward travel it closes normally other switches are push button switches. The'flow of fluid to and from the fluid pressure power actuator 126 for reciprocating the movable die support assembly is controlled by a two-position, solenoid-operated valve in the console L, which valve is spring-biased to the position in which fluid under pressure is supplied. to the power actuator 126 in the direction to open or main- I tain the die fully open. The flow of fluid to and from the power actuator 135 for reciprocating the ram F is under the 7 control of a three-position, solenoidoperated valve also located in the console L.

With the hydraulic pump operating and the press fully open, that is, with the movable die support in its up position the press is closed, that is, the movable die supportis actuated to move the upper die to its down position within the lower die by the operator depressing the two push button switches 202, 204. This establishes a circuit from one of the power lines 210 through the switch 202, wire 212, switch 204, wire 214 and operating solenoid 216 of the two-position valve to power line 218. Energization of the operating solenoid 216 reverses the flow of fluid to the power actuator 126 causing the movable die support to move down and close the press. Upon initiation of the downward movement of the movable die support a limit switch 220, normally spring-biased to closed position but held open by the movable die support when in its up position, closes and upon the movable die support reaching its down position it closes a normally open limit switch 222. The closing of limit switch 222 establishes a circuit from the wire2l2 through switch 222, wire 224, normally closed contacts 226 of relay 228, wire 230, and solenoid 232 of the three-position valve which controls the flow of fluid to the ram power actuator 135, to line 218. Energization of the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve shifts the valve so that fluid pressure is supplied to the power actuator 135 in the direction to move the piston rod thereof in the direction to comopen limit switch. 240 establishing a circuit from the line 210 through now closed limit switch 220, wire 234, limit switch 236, wire 224, limit switch 240, wire 242 and operating solenoid 244 of relay 228 to line 218. This causes operation of the relay 228 to open its normally closed contacts 226 interrupting the circuit to the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve allowing the valve to return to its neutral position. Actuation of the relay 228 also closes its normally open contacts 250, 252. The closing contacts 250 of relay 228 establishing a holding circuit for the relay about limit switch 240 and the closing of contacts 252 establishes a circuit from wire 242 through normally closed contacts 254 of push button switch 208, wire 256 and operating solenoid 258 of the ram control valve to line 218. Energization of the operating solenoid 258 of the ram control valve shifts the valve to reverse the direction of flow of fluid to the ram actuator thus causing the ram to retract to its starting position. Upon initial return movement of the ram, limit switch 240 opens. Retraction of the ram continues until limit switch 236 opens upon the ram reaching its farthest retracted position. Opening of limit switch 236 breaks the circuit to the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve allowing the valve to return to its neutral position. The press is now in its original open position ready for reloading, etc.

The ram can be advanced in the lower die without the press closing by the operator depressing the push button switch 206. This establishes a circuit from the line 210 through limit switch 220, wire 224, normally closed contacts 226 of relay 228, wire 230, and operating solenoid 232 of ram control valve to line 218. Energization of the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve causes the ram to advance, as previously described. Upon initial movement of the ram from its fully retracted position limit switch 236 closes and the ram will continue to advance until it has reached its farthest forward position and then return to its retracted position even though the push button switch 206 may be released by the operator. Operation of the push button switch 208 by the operator opens its normally closed contacts 254 and closes its normally open contacts 260 energizing the operating solenoid 232 of the ram control valve causing the valve to supply fluid pressure to the actuator 135 in the direction to move the ram forwardly through the lower die cavity. Forward movement of the ram continues as long as the switch 208 is held depressed. Release of the switch 208 by the operator with the ram in its fully forward position returns the ram to its fully retracted position.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the features and advantages heretofore referred to have been obtained and that there is provided a novel and improved press of the character described for compressing comestible products which is compact and rugged, is constructed to apply clamping forces through a toggle mechanism in a direction such that forces react predominantly through the dies rather than predominantly transversely thereof, that is safe to operate, easily cleaned, can be used to press plural products and which can be cycled to automatically eject a pressed product.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in considerable detaiLitis to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction shown and referred to and it is the intention to hereby cover all adaptations and modifications thereof which come within the practice of those skilled,

in the art to which the invention relates and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape and opening into at least one end of said die; a

movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; toggle mechanim for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid actuator of the cylinder-piston type directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links; a ram conforming to the crosssectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram. I

2. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape and opening into at least one end of said die and extending the full width of the bottom of the channel; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die with a small clearance thereabout; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and reciprocating type fluid actuator comprising a cylinder and piston directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links; a ram conforming to the crosssectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

3. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform'cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a pressure fluid actuator of the cylinder-piston type directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links, supported for pivoting relative to the fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said dies are fully separated and which pivots to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable dies support as said second die reaches said position and the reaction from the force applied to the pivoted links as said second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in the direction of movement of said movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

4. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite sides, considered in the direction of its movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder secured to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

5. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion of the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder secured to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said piston rod being movable in a direction generally toward and away from said stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

6. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof 'of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder carried by said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said cylinder being pivoted relative to the fluid motor support and fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of die movement when the dies are fully separated and pivotable to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support as said movable die reaches said position whereby the reaction from the force applied by said motor to the pivoted links as the second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in a direction counter to that of the force applied by the pivot links to the movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

7. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a plate-like stationary die support; a first die connected to one side of said plate-like stationary die support and having an elongated channel of the same cross-sectional shape throughout its length in the side thereof opposite to said support and open at at least one end; a movable die support at said one side of said stationary die support; a second die connected to the side of said movable die support facing said one side of said stationary die support and cooperable with said first die; a movable member at the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one side thereof; a plurality of first members fixedly connected to said movable die support and said movable member and extending through and slidably engaging said stationary die support; a second member fixed to said statonary die support and engaged by said movable member for guiding said movable member; a toggle mechanism including pivoted links connected to said stationary die support and to said movable member for moving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die support in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressure actuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism, said fluid pressure actuated mechanism comprising a cylinder and piston acting between said toggle mechanism and said stationary die support in a direction that applies a greater force component to the toggle mechanism in the direction of movement of said movable die support than transversely thereof during a major portion of the piston stroke; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

8. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a cabinet-like base; a plate-like stationary die support detachably and exclusively carried by said base; a channel-shaped first die exclusively carried by said stationary die support at one side of said stationary die support and of uniform cross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said support and opening into one end of said die; a movable die support at said one side of said stationary die support; a second die exclusively carried by said movable die support at v the side of said movable die support facing said one side of said stationary die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; a movable member at the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one side thereof; a plurality of first members extending through and slidably engaging said stationary die support and fixedly connected to said movable die support and said movable member; a second member fixed with respect to said stationary die support and engaged by said movable member for guiding said movable member; toggle mechanism including pivoted links connected to said stationary die support and to said movable member for moving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressure actuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism, said fluid pressure actuated mechanism comprising a cylinder and piston acting between said toggle mechanism and said stationary die support orientated in a direction that applies a greater force component to the toggle mechanism in the direction of movement of said movable die suport than transversely thereof during a major portion of the piston stroke; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture; fluid pressure actuated mechanism connected to said stationary die support for reciprocating said ram; said movable die support, said movable member, said first and second members, said toggle mechanism, said ram and said fluid pressure actuated mechanisms being exclusively carried by said stationary die support; and means for detachably connecting said fluid pressure aetuated mechanisms to and from a source of fluid pressure.

9. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof opening into one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a first fluid pressure actuator for operating said toggle mechanism; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture; mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a second fluid pressure actuator comprising a cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.

10. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support: a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for siad fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and saidfluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder pivoted to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said piston rod being movable in a direction generally toward and away from said stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said firts and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a fluid cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.

11. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a pressure fluid actuator beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and said pivoted links, supported for pivoting relative to the fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when the dies are fully separated and which pivots to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support as said second die reaches said position, whereby the reaction from the force applied by said actuator to the pivoted links as said second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in a direction counter to that of the force applied by the toggle mechanism to the movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a fluid cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.

12. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a movable die support; toggle mechanism operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including at least one pair of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another relative to the path of movement of said ram; and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links.

13. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a movable die support; toggle mechanism operatively connected to said stationary die. support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position dies connected to said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including two pairs of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another longitudinally of the path of movement of said ram and with the respective pivoted links of each pair spaced with respect to one another transversely of the path of movement of said ram; and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links for operating said toggle mechanism.

14. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support adapted to have a first die connected to one side thereof; a movable die support adapted to have a second die connected to the side thereof facing said stationary die at the side of said stationary die support opposite said one side thereof and operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position the first and second dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform crosssectional shape; a ram conforming to the crosssectional shape of the aperture formed by the first and second dies when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including at least one pair of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another relative to the path of movement of said ram, and a reciprocatlng-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links and comprising relatively reciprocal cylinder and piston rod members pivotally connected to said stationary die support and to said pivoted links and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said first position and to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said second position. I

15. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support adapted to have a first die connected -to one side thereof and having a channel in the side thereof opposite to said stationary support of uniform crosssectional shape opening into at least one end; a movable die support adapted to have a second die connected to a side thereof facing said stationary die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of the first die; toggle mechanism at the side of said stationary die support opposite said one side thereof and operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position the first and second dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the first and second dies when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including two pairs of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another longitudinally of the path of movement of said ram with the respective pivoted links of each pair spaced with respect to one another transversely of the path of movement of said ram, and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links and comprising relatively reciprocal cylinder and piston rod members pivotally connected to the stationary die support and to said pivoted links and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said first position and to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said second position.

16. A method of shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like with a press comprising supporting the product in a channel shaped cavity of a fixed die that opens toward a movable die, and moving the movable die toward the fixed die with a toggle mechanism and fluid actuator, which are connected to and carried with the fixed die and located on an opposite side thereof from the movable die, by a reciprocating type fluid pressure motor that acts on the toggle mechanism predominantlY in the direction of movement of the movable die when the movable die is adjacent to the fixed die and extending the toggle mechanism to urge the dies together while directing the reaction force of the motor against the fixed die in a direction predominantly opposite to that of the movement of the movable die.

17. A method of shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like with a press comprising supporting the product in a channel shaped fixed die that opens toward a movable die, moving the movable die toward the fixed die with a toggle mechanism and a cylinderpiston rod type fluid actuator, both pivotally connected to the fixed die and to the movable die and toggle mechanism, respectively and located on an opposite side thereof from the movable die, and orientated so that the fluid actuator acts on the toggle mechanism predominantly in the direction of movement of the movable die when the movable die reaches a position adjacent to the fixed die, thereby extending the toggle mechanism to urge the dies together while directing the reaction force of the fluid actuator against the fixed die in a direction predominantly opposite to that of the direction of movement of the movable die, and reciproeating a ram under pressure in a first direction within a die aperture formed by the dies when adjacent to one another to compress the product, then relieving the ram pressure and moving the movable die away from the fixed die, then again moving the ram in the first direction to eject the product from the stationary die, and subsequently moving the ram in a direction opposite from that inwhich it was first moved.

#1 v a t s 

1. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape and opening into at least one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; toggle mechanim for moving said second die to and from a poSition adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform crosssectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid actuator of the cylinder-piston type directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 2. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape and opening into at least one end of said die and extending the full width of the bottom of the channel; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die with a small clearance thereabout; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and reciprocating type fluid actuator comprising a cylinder and piston directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 3. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a pressure fluid actuator of the cylinder-piston type directly beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and the pivoted links, supported for pivoting relative to the fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said dies are fully separated and which pivots to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable dies support as said second die reaches said position and the reaction from the force applied to the pivoted links as said second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in the direction of movement of said movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 4. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite sides, considered in the direction of its movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; saId pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder secured to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 5. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion of the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder secured to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said piston rod being movable in a direction generally toward and away from said stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 6. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for said fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder carried by said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said cylinder being pivoted relative to the fluid motor support and fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of die movement when the dies are fully separated and pivotable to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support as said movable die reaches said position whereby the reaction from the force applied by said motor to the pivoted links as the second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in a direction counter to that of the force applied by the pivot links to the movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said First and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 7. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a plate-like stationary die support; a first die connected to one side of said plate-like stationary die support and having an elongated channel of the same cross-sectional shape throughout its length in the side thereof opposite to said support and open at at least one end; a movable die support at said one side of said stationary die support; a second die connected to the side of said movable die support facing said one side of said stationary die support and cooperable with said first die; a movable member at the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one side thereof; a plurality of first members fixedly connected to said movable die support and said movable member and extending through and slidably engaging said stationary die support; a second member fixed to said statonary die support and engaged by said movable member for guiding said movable member; a toggle mechanism including pivoted links connected to said stationary die support and to said movable member for moving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die support in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressure actuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism, said fluid pressure actuated mechanism comprising a cylinder and piston acting between said toggle mechanism and said stationary die support in a direction that applies a greater force component to the toggle mechanism in the direction of movement of said movable die support than transversely thereof during a major portion of the piston stroke; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 8. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a cabinet-like base; a plate-like stationary die support detachably and exclusively carried by said base; a channel-shaped first die exclusively carried by said stationary die support at one side of said stationary die support and of uniform cross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said support and opening into one end of said die; a movable die support at said one side of said stationary die support; a second die exclusively carried by said movable die support at the side of said movable die support facing said one side of said stationary die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die; a movable member at the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one side thereof; a plurality of first members extending through and slidably engaging said stationary die support and fixedly connected to said movable die support and said movable member; a second member fixed with respect to said stationary die support and engaged by said movable member for guiding said movable member; toggle mechanism including pivoted links connected to said stationary die support and to said movable member for moving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressure actuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism, said fluid pressure actuated mechanism comprising a cylinder and piston acting between said toggle mechanism and said stationary die support orientated in a direction that applies a greater force component to the toggle mechanism in the direction of movement of said movable die suport than transversely thereof during a major portion of the piston stroke; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture; fluid pressure actuated mechanism connected to said stationary die support for reciprocating said ram; said movable die support, said movable member, said first and second members, said toggle mechanism, said ram and said fluid pressure actuated mechanisms being exclusively carried by said stationary die support; and means for detachably connecting said fluid pressure actuated mechanisms to and from a source of fluid pressure.
 9. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof opening into one end of said die; a movable die support; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a first fluid pressure actuator for operating said toggle mechanism; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture; mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a second fluid pressure actuator comprising a cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.
 10. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support: a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a second die support movable relative to the stationary die support with a die carrying portion on one side of the fixed die support and a driving portion on the opposite side, considered in the direction of movement; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; actuating mechanism including pivoted links and a fluid motor for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a support for siad fluid motor fixed with respect to said stationary die support and located on the same side thereof as and surrounded by said driving portion of the movable die support; said pivoted links being connected between said stationary die support and said driving portion, and said fluid motor comprising a fluid cylinder pivoted to said fluid motor support and a piston rod connected to said pivoted links for moving said driving portion toward and away from the stationary die support, said piston rod being movable in a direction generally toward and away from said stationary die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said firts and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a fluid cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.
 11. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to said stationary support and having a channel in one side thereof of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into one end of said die; a movable die supporT; a second die connected to said movable die support and cooperable with said first die; toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a position adjacent to said first die and in which said dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape, said toggle mechanism including pivoted links and a pressure fluid actuator beneath said die supports acting between the stationary die support and said pivoted links, supported for pivoting relative to the fixed die support and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when the dies are fully separated and which pivots to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support as said second die reaches said position, whereby the reaction from the force applied by said actuator to the pivoted links as said second die reaches said position is applied to the stationary die support predominantly in a direction counter to that of the force applied by the toggle mechanism to the movable die support; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first and second dies when in said position; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram, including a fluid cylinder, piston and piston rod; and control means actuating said fluid actuators sequentially to activate said first fluid pressure actuator to operate said toggle mechanism to move said second die to said position, to activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod, relieve the fluid pressure in said second fluid pressure actuator, activate said first fluid pressure actuator to move said second die from said position, activate said second fluid pressure actuator to extend said piston rod further, and activate said second fluid pressure actuator to retract said piston rod and ram.
 12. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a movable die support; toggle mechanism operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including at least one pair of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another relative to the path of movement of said ram; and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links.
 13. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a movable die support; toggle mechanism operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position dies connected to said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including two pairs of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another longitudinally of the path of movement of said ram and with the respective pivoted links of each pair spaced with respect to one another transversely of the path of movement of said ram; and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links For operating said toggle mechanism.
 14. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support adapted to have a first die connected to one side thereof; a movable die support adapted to have a second die connected to the side thereof facing said stationary die at the side of said stationary die support opposite said one side thereof and operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position the first and second dies carried by said stationary and movable die supports form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the first and second dies when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including at least one pair of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another relative to the path of movement of said ram, and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links and comprising relatively reciprocal cylinder and piston rod members pivotally connected to said stationary die support and to said pivoted links and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said first position and to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said second position.
 15. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support adapted to have a first die connected to one side thereof and having a channel in the side thereof opposite to said stationary support of uniform cross-sectional shape opening into at least one end; a movable die support adapted to have a second die connected to a side thereof facing said stationary die support and having a portion receivable in the channel of the first die; toggle mechanism at the side of said stationary die support opposite said one side thereof and operatively connected to said stationary die support and to said movable die support for moving said movable die support between a first position away from said stationary die support and a second position adjacent to said stationary die support and in which latter position the first and second dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture formed by the first and second dies when said movable die support is in said second position; mechanism for reciprocating said ram; said toggle mechanism including two pairs of pivoted links spaced with respect to one another longitudinally of the path of movement of said ram with the respective pivoted links of each pair spaced with respect to one another transversely of the path of movement of said ram, and a reciprocating-type fluid pressure actuated motor located centrally with respect to said pivoted links and comprising relatively reciprocal cylinder and piston rod members pivotally connected to the stationary die support and to said pivoted links and oriented to act in a direction predominantly transverse to the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said first position and to act in a direction predominantly along the direction of movement of said movable die support when said movable die support is in said second position.
 16. A method of shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like with a press comprising supporting the product in a channel shaped cavity of a fixed die that opens toward a movable die, and moving the movable die toward the fixed die with a toggle mechanism and fluid actuator, which are connected to and carried wIth the fixed die and located on an opposite side thereof from the movable die, by a reciprocating type fluid pressure motor that acts on the toggle mechanism predominantlY in the direction of movement of the movable die when the movable die is adjacent to the fixed die and extending the toggle mechanism to urge the dies together while directing the reaction force of the motor against the fixed die in a direction predominantly opposite to that of the movement of the movable die.
 17. A method of shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like with a press comprising supporting the product in a channel shaped fixed die that opens toward a movable die, moving the movable die toward the fixed die with a toggle mechanism and a cylinder-piston rod type fluid actuator, both pivotally connected to the fixed die and to the movable die and toggle mechanism, respectively and located on an opposite side thereof from the movable die, and orientated so that the fluid actuator acts on the toggle mechanism predominantly in the direction of movement of the movable die when the movable die reaches a position adjacent to the fixed die, thereby extending the toggle mechanism to urge the dies together while directing the reaction force of the fluid actuator against the fixed die in a direction predominantly opposite to that of the direction of movement of the movable die, and reciprocating a ram under pressure in a first direction within a die aperture formed by the dies when adjacent to one another to compress the product, then relieving the ram pressure and moving the movable die away from the fixed die, then again moving the ram in the first direction to eject the product from the stationary die, and subsequently moving the ram in a direction opposite from that in which it was first moved. 